Shloka 54
अम्बा–राम–भीष्म संवादः
Amba–Rama–Bhishma Dialogue on Vow and Refuge
अर्थ वा यदि वा धर्मे समर्थो देशकालवित् । अर्थसंशयमापतन्न: श्रेयान्नि:संशयो नर:
artha vā yadi vā dharme samartho deśa-kāla-vit | artha-saṁśayam āpatan naḥ śreyān niḥsaṁśayo naraḥ ||
Rāma said: “Whether in matters of worldly advantage or in matters of dharma, a person who is competent and who understands the demands of place and time—if, when doubt arises about what is materially expedient, he abandons that doubtful course and, with a mind free of uncertainty, undertakes dharma alone—such a man is regarded as the better one.”
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
When material advantage (artha) becomes doubtful or morally unclear, the superior choice is to abandon that uncertainty and follow dharma with firm, doubt-free resolve—especially for one who is otherwise skilled and context-aware.
In the Udyoga Parva’s counsel-oriented setting, Rāma articulates a principle for ethical deliberation: even a capable person who understands circumstances should prefer certain dharma over uncertain artha when doubt arises.